This isn’t an indictment of SLH through WoH but perks offered “based on availability” are really not perks at all. My friend checked into the Abu Dhabi EDITION with no status during EID and got a suite upgrade (and a late check-out). If something is only offered when it is convenient for the hotel, it’s not an elite perk. It’s a hotel providing good service for its customers.

If the hotel has capacity for an early check-in, late check-out, and an upgrade, status may put you higher up on the totem pole to receive it automatically. At the same time, I am confident someone with no status could get those perks in that situation. Hotels operators (not chains) are in the business of pleasing their guests. A decent hotel will do so when it is convenient for them to do so (aka available).

The huge variance in suite upgrade data points on this forum demonstrates that the individual is just as important as the status he/she holds. Repeatedly I have been told time and time again to not expect a suite upgrade at certain properties. Almost always (STR Houston, STR Miami, and WA Beverly Hills are exceptions) I still received a suite upgrade nonetheless. I have many theories as to why that is the case and none of them have to do with elite status.

WRT SLH specifically, many direct SLH rates include breakfast at a cheaper cash price when booked directly. I would never pay a premium for “upon availability perks”. There’s also cheaper ways to get EQNs and Hyatt points.